Sunday, June 28, 2009

Oxfam is currently leading the way in charitable sustainable fashion initiatives.Joining forces with Marks and Spencer to encourage consumers to donate their unwanted M&S clothing to Oxfam in return for vouchers off new Marks and Spencer purchases.

The above (bin bag) image was taken on a visit to the wastesaver plant in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire. The bags of clothes delivered here are just one of the many daily deliveries, all sorted by hand and then sent on to the relevant Oxfam outlet to be sold.

(Top photo of the Oxfam in Camden, London. Photo to the left - flyer advertisement for the Marks and Spencer and Oxfam Clothing Exchange).

Taken from the s/s 09 Ecologist magazine Oxfam has five areas highlighting 'eco' and ethical fashion design.Loved for Longer

There are many ways to donate your unwanted clothes to charity. Donation bags can be collected from your local charity shop and are often delivered to your house. Large boxes are located in all communities and can usually be found near recycling bins for more popular recyclables such as plastic and paper. Where the clothes and shoes are to be donated please make sure they are in good condition.

Clothes that are stained, worn or damaged try making them into cloths or more domestic textile products or find your nearest textile recycler - this will often be called 'downcycling' - but doing the same job as the 'rag and bone men' of a previous time.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Each evening I transformed the shape, neither adding nor taking away any fabric from the original garment.

This alteration and transformation journey aims to highlight the potential variety within one item of clothing and to encourage creativity to extend the life cycles of garments that are no longer desired.

Monday, June 15, 2009

University of the Arts London annual exhibition 'Xhibit' requested sustainable entries for the 2009 show. My garment, selected to be in the exhibition, is an upcycled dress made from 3 pairs of trousers that had been donated to Oxfam.

Instagram @upcyclefashion

Twitter @upcyclefashion

About

Following 6 years studying textiles and sustainability at University of the Arts London, Julia established Upcycle Fashion to promote creative and wearable solutions to extend the useful life of clothing. In addition to sharing practical upcycling tips and inspiration online, Julia runs hands-on workshops for school and community groups to teach easy garment upcycling tricks alongside practical sewing skills. Julia is also a member of the Australian working committee for Fashion Revolution Day, a campaign to promote transparency throughout the fashion supply chain, and to raise awareness of the damaging impact the fashion industry can have on people and planet.